In this surf documentary-meets-comedy breakdown, I (Dylan Graves) attempt to unpack the chaotic, beautiful, and downright ridiculous process of chasing perfect surf, from over-analyzing weather charts to breaking boards on 7km sand points. This is The Absurdity of Scoring Good Waves, a surf journey told in four parts: forecasting, sand, endurance, and finally… the magic.

Whether you’re a seasoned surf traveler or just wondering what kind of lunatic would drop everything to chase barrels across the world, this one’s for you.

When a rare summer swell pops up out of nowhere, you drop everything. I woke up at the crack of dawn, hoping for something , but what I got totally blew my mind.

5 surf sessions, countless waves, and nonstop good times from sunrise to sunset. This is what we live for. - Gearoid Mcdaid

Filmed: Clem McInerney

Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Yago Dora (BRA) won the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 8 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT). A building swell turned to pumping, five-to-seven-foot Lower Trestles conditions and provided a high-performance spectacle for the world’s best surfers on Finals Day to elevate their performances. Marquee runner-up finishes for Southern California’s own Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), along with 2023 and 2024 World Title contender Molly Picklum (AUS), place them firmly in the Final 5 as both leave the Lexus Trestles Pro ranked No. 3. 

Sakura Johnson Officially Enters Final 5 Race with Second CT Win in 2025

The North Shore of O‘ahu’s standout contender, Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), showed her ability to push the power and progressive scale from start to finish on Finals Day. This marks Johnson’s second CT victory of her career, both in 2025. Previously, the 20-year-old earned her first victory at Stop No. 6 of the season at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro. Johnson now moves to No. 4 on the rankings to enter the Final 5 conversation. 

“Overall, I’m just super happy how I was able to overcome each heat and just take it out, and I'm so psyched to bring this one home. Honestly, the secret is just staying happy and being surrounded by your loved ones,” said Johnson. “The support this year has been incredible, and I'm just super grateful. It was just finding my rhythm and picking my waves, and just pushing as hard as I can but knowing the waves as well. Lowers has been incredible, and it's so great to have the memories back when I was 12 years old. Keep it there [in second gear], maybe get into fourth later on in the season, but there's nothing to lose right here. We're just trying to get to the Final 5. That's the goal, but I’m enjoying the process and taking it wave by wave. That's the only thing you have to do is keep it simple.”

The Final witnessed pumping conditions that built throughout the day and peaked heading into the end of Finals Day. The 2023 and 2024 World Title contender Molly Picklum (AUS) entered the Final against fellow event standout Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW). Johnson’s relentless form throughout Finals Day culminated in a showdown with Picklum, posting an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) to start the heat following Picklum’s minimal opener. Johnson wasn’t done yet and posted yet a 9.00 to push Picklum to a combination situation, meaning she needed two new waves to equal Johnson’s heat total of 17.00 (out of a possible 20). Picklum was able to break the combination, but ran out of time to find a near-perfect score needed to overtake Johnson's lead.

Johnson’s immaculate run atop the podium included eight excellent scores, meaning an 8.00 or above, including a 9.00 in the Final to claim her second win of 2025. Haleʻiwa’s rising World Title contender, Johnson, began her Finals Day quest with the women’s highest heat total, a 17.83, against 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA). 

Dora Earns Third-Career CT Victory with Amazing Aerial Showings

2025 is shaping up to be one of Yago Dora’s (BRA) dream seasons with a second win of the year in amazing fashion. The 29-year-old’s ability in the air continues to astonish spectators around the world as Dora soared his way to a sensational victory. This marks Dora’s third-career CT win and moves him to No. 2 on the rankings. Dora now heads to his home country of Brazil for the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero, where he earned his maiden CT win in 2023.

“It's unbelievable, I waited a long time to have the opportunity to surf this event, and to do it my first time competing is incredible,” said Dora. “I want to thank God. Especially in the Quarterfinals, he sent me that last wave and that was like the booster for me to win this event, and I just can't believe it. I'm over the moon right now after winning this event. Now I'm going to Brazil, which is like my best event on Tour, and I'm so happy. I want to thank my team, my dad right there, everyone, all my sponsors, and the people of San Clemente too, you guys always receive me with open arms, and you give me my little spot in the lineup, so it's pretty amazing that we got to come here and and get these amazing waves and today was my day.”

Moments after the men’s Final horn sounded to start the battle against Southern California’s own Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Dora launched himself into the air on the first section before multiple, searing carves to post a near-perfect 9.53. Igarashi found his answer of a 7.77, but Dora’s relentless form posted another excellent score of an 8.00. Then, a pivotal exchange at the 10-minute mark witnessed Igarashi take to the air on an impressive Kerrupt Flip before finishing the wave to post an 8.30, short of the 9.51 requirement. While Igarashi took the right, Dora unleashed his forehand attack once more before finishing on an air-reverse to post an 8.37 of his own and all but seal his victory.

Dora’s Finals Day included besting three former World Title contenders, including Ethan Ewing (AUS), San Clemente’s own Griffin Colapinto (USA), and Igarashi.

Molly Picklum Makes a Major Statement in the World Title Race

Earning her second runner-up of the 2025 CT season, Molly Picklum (AUS) continued to show her relentless power on Finals Day. Picklum, 22, holds firm at No. 3 on the rankings as she hunts her third Final 5 appearance in just her fourth season on Tour.

“I’m really happy with second place,” said Picklum. “I feel like this year, more than any other year, I've been pushed inside and outside of the water. It's funny when these girls come up against me, and I'm just like, what am I going to have to do, you never know, and Caity [Simmers] obviously pushed me, and I'm so happy to have gotten one over her. She beats me every time, and then Bettylou [Sakura Johnson], I got her a few times early on in our career, and now she's starting to get me. Every time you mention her, it's so exciting and fun for me. Obviously, you see the smile that it brings. She inspires me in the water, and it's just incredible. Everyone's just so capable of beating everyone, and I'm so happy to be here.”

Picklum began her Finals Day pursuit with a blistering Semifinal win over reigning World Champion, and Southern California’s own, Caity Simmers (USA). Picklum took full control of the heat after posting the top single-scoring wave of the women’s 2025 CT, a 9.60 (out of a possible 10).

Kanoa Igarashi Rises to No. 3 with Runner-up Performance

Raised in Huntington Beach, Calif., Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) grew up competing at this venue from his amateur ranks and the CT when it was last here in 2017, as well as in the WSL Finals in 2023. The 27-year-old now boasts two Final appearances in 2025, earning a runner-up in Bells Beach, and moves to World No. 3 on the rankings.

“Surfing Lowers with one other person, now I think it's pretty special in itself. We came to California, and we got blessed with amazing waves, so thank you to the surf gods. And thanks to all the fans. You guys really brought the heat this week, and you know I'm really excited to keep going the rest of the year. I just want to say thanks to everyone. The other day I was on the podium at Nationals and USA Championships. Time flies, and Lowers still continues to be one of the best waves in the world, and you know some things never change, and I’m really thankful for the waves we got this week and the team that I have around me. It takes a lot more than me standing on a surfboard to get results like this, so it's been an amazing year and can we keep going.”

Igarashi’s amazing form took him to a 17.10 heat total in the Semifinals to best 2023 World Title contender Jack Robinson (AUS) after taking down fellow Japanese representative Connor O’Leary (JPN) in the Quarterfinals. Now, Igarashi is preparing for the VIVO Rio Pro, a venue he’s placed equal fifth as his best. 

Electric showings from San Clemente’s own Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Sawyer Lindblad (USA) pushed their hometown support crew into the Semifinals as Colapinto continues on to Rio in search of a third-straight Final 5 appearance, now sitting at No. 9 on the rankings. Plus, Jordy Smith (RSA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) maintain the Yellow Leader Jerseys by the narrowest of margins.

For more information and highlights from the Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Women's Final Results:

1 - Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 17.00
2 - Molly Picklum (AUS) 14.23

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Men's Final Results:

1 - Yago Dora (BRA) 17.90
2 - Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 16.07

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Women's Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1:HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.37 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 10.84
HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 16.24 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 14.33

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Men's Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 17.23 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.20
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 17.10 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.10

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Women's Quarterfinal Results:

HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.10 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 11.66
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 11.47
HEAT 3: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 15.50 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 5.17
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 17.83 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 8.70

Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.40 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 12.17
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) 15.37 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.63
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.27 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 15.94
HEAT 4: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.16 DEF. Connor O'Leary (JPN) 13.37

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

As the 2025 Rip Curl Cup season kicks into gear, Padang Cup royalty is stepping aside to let the next generation shine. Two-time champion and local legend Mega Semadhi has made the bold and selfless decision to give up his spot in this year’s trials, all to open the door for rising stars.
Mega, who won the Rip Curl Cup in 2013 and again in 2016 (where he famously dropped two perfect 10s in the final and led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the Indonesian national anthem with his mum), says it's time for the youth to have their moment. And with his gesture, 2025 is shaping up to have the youngest field the Padang Cup has seen in years.
“I feel it’s time to step aside and give the younger generation their chance. They’re more than capable of winning the Cup, and their surfing is world class,” said Mega.

While stepping back from competition, Mega isn’t stepping away from the event entirely.
“I still want to be part of the Padang Cup. I just want to watch my friends compete and enjoy the event, but most importantly, I want to spend time in the water with my daughter and focus on taking care of my family.”
With grace, humility, and a deep love for both surfing and his community, Mega Semadhi continues to leave an unforgettable mark on the Rip Curl Cup—this time, from the shoreline.

2024 Trials Recap
Last year’s 2024 Trials set the bar sky-high, delivering one of the most unforgettable days in trials history. Perfect 6-foot waves rolled into the reef, setting the stage for best Indonesian surfers to showcase a masterclass in barrel riding.
Veterans like Made “Bol” Adi Putra and Garut Widiarta reminded everyone why they’re still kings of Padang Padang. But it was the new guard Bronson Meydi, Tommy Sobry, and Westen Hirst who turned heads with crazy late drops, deep barrels, and technical tuberiding. Bronson’s technical backside tube and Tommy’s buzzer-beater double barrel rewarded them spots in the main event alongside legends Bol & Garut
The women also showed up in a big way, turning the lineup into a battlefield of friendship and fierce competition. Taina Izquierdo came out on top, while Ziggy Mackenzie secured her place in the main event with some seriously gutsy surfing. The women’s side isn’t just catching up, it’s charging forward.

The 2025 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be webcast LIVE to the world at ripcurl.co.id. Fans can also visit the Rip Curl website to check the official event swell forecast, real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.

Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 Event Schedule:

Local Trials Waiting Period
July 1st – 31st 2025

Main Event Waiting Period
August 4th – September 4th 2025

Opening Ceremony
Sunday, August 3rd at 4 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali
Meet the invited athletes
Press conference
Traditional Balinese Kecak Dance performance

Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 sponsored by:
Island Brewing, Dragon, BGS, Indo Amazon, Red Bull, Biznet

As 100 foot Wave season three kicks off we catch up with Andrew Cotton about his relentless pursuit of the ocean’s giants.

Cotty, how has your winter been?
Yeah, it’s been good. This winter, I’ve been focusing less on just being at Nazaré, and more on chasing the best waves when they’re really worth it. I know there are better waves out there, and I’ve been trying to make smarter decisions about where and when to go. But overall, it’s been another season of learning and adapting, which is what big-wave surfing is all about.

How has Nazaré changed since you first went there?
Yeah, it’s a completely different place now. When I first came to Nazaré, it felt like a big-wave Disneyland – this insane, larger-than-life wave that didn’t quite fit the traditional mould. At the time, a lot of the surfing world didn’t take it seriously. In fact, it was almost mocked, especially by some of the more established big-wave communities. But over the years, it’s gone through some major changes.

Nazaré has created opportunities for so many people to live their dream, to actually make a career out of big wave surfing, and to push tow surfing to a level I never could have imagined when I first started. Without a doubt, it’s still one of the most mind-blowing spectacles in surfing, especially when it’s massive. No matter how much it changes, when you see those waves breaking from the cliffs, it’s still something special.

The new season of 100 Foot Wave kicks off this month. Some great waves in there.
Yeah, I’ve seen some rough cuts of the new season, and it looks really cool. Cortes was crazy. I was actually in Ireland at the time, chasing some waves around Bundoran Bay, when I got a call from Garrett. He was like: “Can you be in San Diego within 48 hours?” And for me, it was a no brainer. I jumped in the car, drove straight to Dublin, flew to Portugal, swapped out some boards, and then got straight on a flight to San Diego.
The place is just something else – the cleanest ocean I’ve ever surfed, so much wildlife, seals everywhere, even a couple of massive sharks cruising through the line up. You’re in the middle of nowhere, no land in sight, just completely exposed.

I remember seeing footage of Cortes in the early 2000s and thinking it was impossible, and there was no way I would ever surf it. So to actually be there was just surreal. It’s a place I never thought I’d have the opportunity to surf, and I feel lucky to have experienced it. But I know that wave is still out there, waiting.

And you’ve even got your own shoe? Bit like Kendrick!
Haha, yeah, who would’ve thought I’d have my own boot? It’s pretty funny when you think about it. I’ve been really fortunate to work with XTRATUF for the past three or four years now. It all started with a small project – this campaign I did called the ‘Three Lakes Challenge’, which was about off-season training. I went swimming in the three highest lakes in the UK and made a YouTube video about it. XTRATUF supported that, and from there, we built a really strong relationship. They’ve been great supporters and a solid sponsor ever since.

What I love about this collab is that it’s not just about designing a boot – it’s about asking deeper questions. The whole thing is inspired by thought-provoking ideas, like ‘What makes you feel alive?’ and ‘Is this it?’ These are the questions that push you to go further, to take risks, and to keep searching for what really matters. It was amazing that XTRATUF was open to bringing that kind of storytelling into the design.
One of the most exciting parts for me was also working on the packaging. I remember as a kid, loving shoeboxes – how they came with stickers, little cards, all those details that made them feel special. So we went all in on that. The box is completely different from anything they’ve done before – thought-provoking, unique, and something that really adds to the experience.

Honestly, I’m just so stoked on the whole process. XTRATUF has been an amazing partner – not just in supporting me but in backing big wave surfing as a whole. To have a brand of their size and reputation supporting surfing in this way is huge, and I can’t thank them enough.

What’s next? Still some crazy waves out there to be discovered…
Yeah, what’s next? I’m excited. I’m excited for the future, for big wave surfing, and for everything it holds. One of the things I’m really looking forward to is working with the next generation of British talent – building a solid team that’s not just riding some of the biggest waves on the planet, but also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For me, big wave surfing has never been about winning – it’s about going first and exploring. That’s what has always driven me, from those early days on the west coast of Ireland, figuring out Mullaghmore, to those first few seasons at Nazaré, when no one really knew what was possible. And that’s what still excites me – what’s around the next corner? What’s the next big discovery? The beauty of big wave surfing is that you never know when it’s going to happen. It’s not about this year or next year – it’s about patience. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with the right people, and then when it all comes together… anything is possible.

That’s what keeps me motivated every day. That’s what makes me get up, train, stay fit, stay sharp. Because the next big wave, the next big moment – it’s always out there, just waiting.

Pick up Carve issue 227 for the full interview!